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Sunday, May 29, 2011

Bread for the Journey

This post is especially for young moms.
Over 30 years ago I was a young mom, who like every other mom wanted to
do the very best I could in raising my children.

Today I'd like us to think of life as the threads of fabric, knit, sewn, and woven together.

Just as there are many materials to choose from when making blankets and garments, you want to choose wisely the teaching and influences that will be woven into your children's lives so that they become durable and attractive, rather than frayed and tattered.

Psalms 139:13-16

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about.

Your workmanship is marvelous. You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in Your Book".

As you are on this journey of motherhood I want to encourage you to carefully and prayerfully clothe your children spiritually and emotionally with the right fabrics. I've chosen a few that may help you.

Choose durable fabric - woven in truth. The only place to find tough, resilient fabric is in God's word, which endures forever...because it is truth. As you teach the word of God to your children they will have truth woven durability that will help them withstand the deceptions of the world.

Choose tightly knit fabrics - sewn in confidence. Children often struggle with self image and belonging. Teach them who they are in Christ. Remind them that they are children of The King.

Choose stain resistant fabric - treated against temptation. We want our children to put on warm jackets to protect them from the cold and possibility of getting sick. In the same way properly clothe them spiritually. The more you get to know your children you will know and understand their weaknesses. Out of love you will want to provide extra stain resistance through scripture, accountability and guidance, helping them to keep spotless before the Lord.

Choose fabrics that are boldly conspicuous - coloured in Christ. As your children grow they may want to blend into this world, but keep teaching them to be clothed in the vibrant colours of Christ that set them apart, shining a light for Jesus, and loving those around them.

Choose fabrics that are 100% natural fibres - the 'YOU' God made. Natural fibres breathe better and are comfortable. Kids need to learn the benefits of spiritually being 100% natural. Special and unique, woven with God given gifts, talents, and personality traits that make your children unique. A woven pattern that is all their own. God has a special plan for each of their lives. The pattern, texture, feel and look of their lives will daily be a creation in the making.

The things of this world can so easily weave their way into each of our lives, causing our lives to become soiled and tattered. You can't shield your children from all of them, but God can and wants to help you raise your children.
Today I am praying for each of you young mom's who have stopped by MGCC. May you be encouraged in your important role as mom to your children. Someone once told me "you only have one chance at raising your children". That statement encouraged me to do my very best.....may it also encourage you to do yours.

Thanks for sharing those encouraging words..as a Grammy and a quilter I am especially touched with the illustrations. I will share this with my daughter today. Love your recipes and inspiration each day. Sharon

I love this post. my kids are grown now, but Ive always remembered, they are more the Lords children than mine. Ive always looked at it that way, as if he gave them to me to raise, but really, they are more his than mine.

I'm also a grandma and I see things here to practice with our precious grandkids. We often underestimate the influence we have on our grandkids, one that will continue to influence them long after we are gone.

Thank you so much! This was just the encouragement I needed. Baby #3 is due any day now and your message is very timely indeed. I have so enjoyed your blog since being referred to it about four months ago. Blessings to you all!

I am the mother of an almost 9 month old so I appreciate the cute words of encouragement. thanks for this blog and for MGCC. This post was for me, and the chili cheese dip will be for my husband tomorrow. a little something for us all! Thanks!